Time Zone : Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Currency : The unit of currency is the Turkish Lira which is available in notes and coins.The exchange rate is determined daily; Foreign currency can be exchanged in private or state banks and Exchange offices in Ýstanbul Traveller cheques can be cashed in most banks. All major Credit cards (American Express, VISA, Master card / Euro card, Diners' Club ) and foreign currences are accepted by many Hotels, shops , restaurants . Moreover there is no limit to the amount of foreign currency that travelers can bring cash.

Language : It is Turkish which is written with the Latin alphabet. English, French and German are spoken in hotels, major restaurants and many shops.

Working hours : Offices banks and shopping centers are generally open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from Monday to Friday, with a break between 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.

Communication : Public telephones operate with tokens or cards, sold at post offices or some booths. Through some of the public phones, there is access to AT&T and some other telecommunication networks; please check with your operator for the latest information. Fax messages can be sent from major post offices, or from hotels.

Public Holidays

Apart from these, there are two religious holidays whose dates change every year according to the lunar calendar.

Museums and Archaeological Sites : Modest entrance fees vary, and additional fees are charged for permission to take photographs. Most museums are open every day between 9:30 am and 6:30 pm, except Mondays, Palaces are also closed on Mondays, except for Topkapi Palace which is closed on Tuesdays.